Spider Mites on Crape Myrtle: Sticky Residue, Curling Leaves, and Webbing

Tiny Pests, Big Damage: Spider Mites on Crape Myrtle

In hot, dry conditions, spider mites thrive on crape myrtles. Symptoms include stippled or bronzed leaves, fine webbing on stems and leaf undersides, sticky residue (from associated aphids or honeydew), and leaf curl. Mites are microscopic—look for moving specks on a white paper after tapping a branch.

Control Measures

1. Confirm mites. Hold white paper under a branch; tap sharply. Tiny moving dots = mites.
2. Spray with miticide. Use products labeled for spider mites (e.g., bifenthrin, acephate, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap). Regular insecticides often don't work.
3. Repeat in 10 days. Eggs hatch over time; a second application catches new hatchlings.
4. Water management. Mites thrive on drought-stressed plants. Water deeply during heat waves.
5. Fertilize lightly. A balanced 10-10-10 after recovery supports new growth.

Organic Options

• Horticultural oil (1.5–2%) or insecticidal soap—thorough coverage essential.
• Predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) released early.
• Strong water sprays every few days to dislodge mites.

Prevention

• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill mite predators.
• Mulch to maintain soil moisture.
• Monitor regularly in hot, dry weather.

Early detection and targeted treatment can save your crape myrtle from severe defoliation.